China Says It Will Stop Harvesting The Organs Of Inmates

China announced Thursday it plans to cease the controversial practice of harvesting organs from executed inmates. But the move might create a host of new problems for the world's most populous country.

One doesn't need to look too far to find examples of that organ trade, either.

In July, 12 people were arrested in China for setting up a smuggling ring where kidneys were being sold for about $20,000 apiece and being disguised as seafood for shipping.

Just a month later 15 more people, including some doctors, were arrested for harvesting and selling 51 kidneys. The organ donors were only given a little under $3,500 in exchange. (Video via China View)

Still, as The New York Times notes, this Jan. 1 deadline is the strongest sign given to date that China plans to stop taking organs from inmates. The country has previously given vague announcements it would cease the procedures in 2011 and 2012.